Bradford City face newly relegated Burton Albion at Valley Parade in a game tonight that is put simply, a must-win for the West-Yorkshire side.
It seems early in the season to say a game is a ‘must-win’ but fans have already jumped on the back of new Bradford City boss Michael Collins and after last seasons collapse since January, the players need to put in a real quality performance to ensure the fans that Collins is the right man for the job.
Tonight is a big game, but its one that the Bantams can most certainly compete within, and look to get a win out of come full-time.
Here’s an expected XI to take on Burton Albion tonight.
GK: Richard O’Donnell
The shot-stopper has enjoyed three solid performances in goal for the Bantams thus far, and will be a certain starter at Valley Parade today.
RB: Kelvin Mellor
The composed defender has featured as a centre-back for the Bantams this season, but he could move to his natural position at right-back tonight against Burton Albion, with Joe Riley potentially dropping down onto the bench for him.
CB: Anthony O’Connor
The Irish defender has been excellent so far since moving to Valley Parade and will be another certain starter in the heart of the Bantams backline this weekend.
CB: Ryan McGowan
The majority of Bantams fans seem to want McGowan to get his chance in the league at centre-half ahead of Nathaniel Knight-Percival and he could get a chance to continue at centre-half tonight.
LB: Adam Chicksen
Chicksen endured a tough time against Southend United at the weekend, but has a chance to put things right tonight against Burton Albion, and kickstart a run of confidence in this Bantams side.
CDM: Josh Wright
The Bantams skipper has to provide a big performance tonight after fans have been somewhat critical of him during his first few games, as he’s settled into his new role as captain. Wright has a lot to prove and clearly has unquestionable quality, so tonight gives him a chance to show what he’s got.
CDM: Hope Akpan
Akpan has played the majority of his football at Championship level, so playing in League One has been somewhat of a culture shock for the midfielder. He faces his former employers tonight, which should really incentivize him to put in a big performance for the Bantams.
RM: Sherwin Seedorf
Seedorf is skillful, pacey and positive with his football and Michael Collins might use him tonight to really get at Burton Albion, and to get the Valley Parade quickly behind their Bantams side.
LM: Sean Scannell
With Seedorf on one wing, it’s likely Scannell could occupy the other one, and the winger would be an absolute handful for Burton’s defence. He also has featured for the Brewers on a loan spell from Huddersfield in the best, so will be keen to make an impact tonight.
CAM: Jack Payne
Payne has showed real glimpses of quality for Bradford City so far and after settling into his role, tonight gives him the chance to really prove what he’s got in front of a Valley Parade crowd. Although he was positive and tried some exciting things against Barnsley, he’ll more than likely get more time on the ball tonight, which will give him the chance to make a real statement.
ST: Eoin Doyle
Doyle will be desperate to open his account for the Bantams and tonight gives him an opportunity to do it in front of a home crowd against the newly relegated opposition. A big game and a big test for the forward, but expect him to bag.
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